After spending years searching for explosives, weapons and ammunition in Iraq, 9-year-old retired Army dog Gabe is taking it easy. 

Gabe, who is now at Fort Jackson, is up for American Humane Association's "Hero Dog Award." 

It isn't the first time Gabe has been recognized for his work. He has won three Army Commendation medals, an Army Achievement medal, and almost 40 coins of excellence for his work, according to a report on WIS.

During his 170 combat patrols, Gabe helped make 26 weapons finds, according to a story on the U.S. Army website. 

Gabe spent his time in Iraq with his handler, Staff Sgt. Chuck Shuck. Shuck, who is now a drill sergeant leader at Fort Jackson, adopted Gabe permanently after Gabe's days as a weapon-searching dog were over.

Gabe already has more than 30,000 votes in the contest and more than 12,000 likes on his Facebook page. 

The contest has two stages. The first round lasts until June 30 and allows people to vote once every 24 hours. If Gabe wins his category, then he will compete against seven other dogs from other categories starting July 1.

If Gabe wins overall, the two will win $10,000 for their charity, the U.S. War Dogs Association, an organization that helps retired dogs get adopted.

To cast your vote for Gabe, visit his page on the American Humane Association's website.